REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1948
1948 NOTTS AND DERBY CAT CLUB SHOW
NOTTS. JUDGES Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, June 20, 1947.
The Judges at the Notts, and Derby Cat Club show in January [1948] will be Mrs. Cattermole, Mr. Martin, Miss Rodda, Miss Campbell-Fraser, Mrs. McLeod, Mr. Tomlinson, Mrs. Thompson and Miss Kit Wilson. Miss K. Yorke will act as referee.
NOTTS AND DERBY SHOW MANAGER Fur and Feather, Rabbits and Rabbit Keeping, July 18, 1947
Mrs. I. G. Hancox, 3 Heatherley Drive, Valley Road, Nottingham, will be show manager for the Notts, and Derby ch. show at the Victoria Baths, Bath Street, Notting¬ham, on Tuesday. Jan. 6th. Offers of support from the various clubs and help from friends and intending exhibitors will be gratefully received by Mrs. Hancox.
[NOTTS AND DERBY CAT CLUB] FELINE ARISTOCRATS Nottingham Evening Post, 6th January 1948
Success has gone to the head of Mrs. Jennifer Dubedat. Temperamental as any actress, she resents the faintest suggestion of familiarity with the hauteur of an aristocrat. Living with two actors would encourage the temperament, of course. But while she is worthy of her place in the Notts and Derby Cat Club’s record championship show in the Victoria Baths Hall to-day, she should remember that her original job was - mousing. Her father was a stray tabby and her mother a long-haired Chinchilla belonging to Miss Evelyn Langston, a singing professor at the Royal Academy of Music.
Miss Langston gave the kitten to one of her pupils, Alan Reid, to keep down mice in the flat he shared with a fellow-member of the B.B.C. Repertory Company, Lewis Stringer. Lewis was playing Louis Dubedat in “The Doctor’s Dilemma,” hence the distinguished name. Strangely enough,” Miss Langston told a Post reporter to-day, Jenny turned out to be a perfect silver short-haired tabby and has won several prizes. It is not often you get a first class cat from such parents.”
Mrs. Dubedat is one of 169 high-quality cats taking part in the show - the only championship cat show to be held outside London. Entries–705 constitute a record. They include Abyssinians, called bunny cats because they look like wild rabbits, Russian blues, blue and cream Persians, Siamese, blue and seal points, and Chinchillas. Mrs. Iris Hancox is the hon. show secretary and manager.
[NOTTS AND DERBY CAT CLUB] CHAMPION CAT SHOW IN NOTTM. Nottingham Journal, 7th January 1948
Some of the finest cats in the British Isles were exhibited at the Victoria Baths, Nottingham, yesterday, in the only championship cat show held in the provinces. The show is organised by the Notts. and Derby Cat Club, acknowledged to be one the world’s top-ranking clubs. Of the 170 exhibits one of the most valuable is Mrs. Jennifer Dubedat, a silver tabby worth 75 guineas, owned by Lewis Stringer and Alan Reid, B.B.C. actors. Another well-known owner is Baroness de Westenholtz. The two Abyssinian cats in the show are said to be “invaluable.” Their worth cannot be assessed for there are only about six survivors of the breed in this country and they are kept for breeding purposes to ensure that the family does not become extinct. Show secretary and manager is Mrs. Iris Hancox.
Winning owners were:
Tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell and white kitten (male or female): 1, Mrs. Morton Smith, Hucknall, Notts.
Any other variety kitten (male of female): 1, Mrs. W.E. Bradley, West Bridgford.
Cream kitten (male) – 1, Mrs. W. Walker (Stapleford, Notts.).
Any variety novice (except blue) – 1, Mr and Mrs. J. Barker (Ilkeston).
Any variety junior (except blue) – 1, Mr and Mrs. J. Barker (Ilkeston).
Siamese seal-point cat (male) – 1, Mrs. G. Matthes (Loughborough, Leics.)
British blue – 1, Mr. F.C. Tomlinson (Sleaford, Lincs.)
Abyssinian (female) – 1, Mr. A.C. Hancox (Nottingham).
Any variety brace – 1, Mrs. G. Matthes (Loughborough, Leics.)
Any other variety, kitten – 1, Mrs. M. Oakley (Tollerton, Notts.)
Notts. And Derby Cat Club, any variety long-hair (male) – 1, Mr and Mrs. J. Barker (Ilkeston).
Notts. And Derby Cat Club, any variety short-hair (male) – 1, Mrs. M. Oakley (Tollerton, Notts.)
Best exhibit in show – Mrs. W. Douglas (Morden, Surrey), Siamese seal-point (female).
Best long-haired cat in show – Miss E. Langston (Maidenhead), blue female.
Best kitten in show – Mrs. M. Brunton (Horsham), long-haired blue male.
Best short-haired kitten – Mrs. E. Jones (Preston, Lancs), male Siamese seal-point.
Best neuter in show – Messrs. A. Reid and L. Stringer (London).
Any variety, short-hair cat or kitten - 1, Mrs. M. Oakley (Tollerton).
KITTEN WON FIRST PRIZE Stapleford & Sandiacre News, 10th January 1948
Mrs. W. Walker, of The Grange, Toton-lane, Stapleford, won two prizes with exhibits are the Notts and Derbyshire Cat Club’s championship show at Nottingham on Tuesday. Her cream female kitten was placed first, while in the any variety, except blue, novice kitten class, her entry was the reserve.
1948 SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB (SHEPHERD'S BUSH) CAT SHOW
[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT SHOW] STOURBRIDGE PRIZE CAT. Birmingham Daily Gazette, 27th January 1948
Mrs E.G. Parker of Newlands, Prestwood, near Stourbridge, exhibiting in the Southern Counties Cat Club’s Championship Show in London yesterday, won first prize in one class.
[SOUTHERN COUNTIES SHOW, SHEPHERD’S BUSH] Surrey Mirror, 30th January 1948
"How beautiful they are, the Lordly ones." That famous line from "The Immortal Hour" might well have applied to the Southern Counties Cat Club's first post-war show at Shepherds Bush Monday, for there are times when even the shabbiest of domestic cats can put a lordly air that makes the mere human feel quite insignificant. However, it should be a matter of local pride that one of the lordliest of the lordly ones at Shepherds Bush was a Reigate cat. Poldenhills Pussonini, four-months-old Chinchilla. adjudged the best in the show and awarded a gold rosette, was bred by Mrs. Polden, of the Market Hotel, Reigate, who also bred Pussonini’s mother and grandmother.
[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT SHOW] FURTHER SUCCESS Sleaford Gazette, 30th January 1948
At the Southern Counties Cat Show, held at Shepherds Bush, London, on Monday, Mr. E. C. Tomlinson [of Helpringham] secured six firsts and best Blue Longhair kitten in show with - Julie of Knott Hall."
1948 KENSINGTON KITTEN CLUB AND THE NEUTER CAT SOCIETY SHOW
[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] JULY 28 IS ALLEY CATS' BIG DAY Kensington Post, 3rd July 1948
Shop cats, fireside cats, and their depressed brethren, the alley cats are busy licking fur and lapping cream ready for the 1948 show of the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club on July 28. As last year, their interest will be in the competitions to be held for the best shop cat, and the best household cat. Last year's winner of the former, the legendary yellow cat of the Yellow Cat, in Kensington Church Street is a strong favourite for this year's contest. More than one black cat hopes to prove a dark horse on the day, however. The crush at last year's show will not be repeated on July 28, as it is to take place this year at the Porchester Hall in Bayswater. Besides the “cats in the street" bewhiskered aristocrats will be on view in all the usual cat show categories.
Admission will be 2/6 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., and 1/- extra to watch the judging which begins at 10 a.m. It is hoped that stage star Yvonne Arnaud, a cat lover herself, will present the prizes. Entry forms, (fee is 2/6) and all information about the show can be obtained from Miss M. Farmer, Flat 3, 20, Denman Street, W1.
KENSINGTON CAT SHOW WILL BE HELD IN PADDINGTON. NO HALL AVAILABLE HERE The Kensington News and West London Times, 9th July 1948
Household pets are going to have many chances to win prizes in the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club’s Annual Show at Porchester Hall, Bayswater on Wednesday July 28th. The Club have to hold their show outside the Borough this year as no suitable hall could be found in Kensington. The entry fee for household pets is 2s 6d. Last year’s winner was the Yellow Cat Restaurant in Kensington Church Street. The judges will be Miss Rachel Ferguson, Captain Michael Joseph and Mr Keith Robinson (O.D.F.L.). Engagements permitting, Yvonne Arnaud will present the prizes
The Show will include pedigree kittens and neuter cats from all over England. Judging will commence at 10 am and the public will be admitted at 1.30 pm. Admission 2s 6d (1s extra to view the judging). Entry forms and full particulars can be obtained from the Hon Show Manager, Miss M Farmer, 3, 20 Denman Street, W1. The well known Kensington artist, Mr. Rebel Stanton, of Redcliffe Road, is having an exhibition of his work at the show.
“STONOR SPIV’’ TO BE AT CAT SHOW The Kensington News and West London Times, 23rd July 1948
“Stonor Spiv” the famous Kensington kitten will again be at home to his many friends and admirers at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Show to be held at the Porchester Hall, Porchester Road, Bayswater, on Wednesday the 28th July 1.30 – 6.00. He is of course no longer the “kitten” that appeared in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” at the “Q” Theatre last Christmas, but a fine strapping young teen-age cat! There is a record entry of pedigree kittens, Neuter cats and household pet cats.
STILL TIME TO ENTER `TIBBLES' Kensington Post, 24th July 1948
Entries in the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Show have topped all previous records, 162, with entry lists still open until the week-end. Prizes will be given away by Jonquil Anthony, author and producer of the B.B.C's "The Robinson Family." Besides the show varieties, shop cats and domestic pets can enter for valuable prizes. The show takes place on Wednesday at Porchester Hall, Paddington.
“TIBBY” WINS FIRST PRIZE. KENSINGTON CAT SHOW Kensington News and West London Times, 30th July 1948
Black and White “Tibby,” a large sleek cat belonging to Mrs Mitelman of Queens Court Kensington, returned home to his balcony flat on Wednesday evening, a very proud animal. He had been chosen “best household pet” at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club Show, held at Porchester Hall Bayswater. The show, primarily for pedigree breeds, was held in Paddington this year, owing to the complete lack of large and suitable premises in Kensington. On Wednesday afternoon, Porchester Hall was crowded with cats, long-haired, short-haired, all colours, lying in their cages with sedate, bored expressions, being admired by a record crowd.
While Siamese, long-haired beauties of different shades, and other aristocrats, were grouped upstairs, the lower floor was reserved for the household pets. There were about twenty-five showing in this class and those cats had to be seen to be believed. A “Kensington News” reporter visiting the show thought the sun had distorted her vision when she saw these feline giants; but the scales did not lie and one cat, Sully belonging to Miss Johnston, of Stafford Terrace, weighs 30 lbs!
The winner, black and white Tibby, was presented to his owner, Mrs Mitelman, by a flower seller when the kitten became too mischievous for the good of his wares. Tibby is now eighteen months old.
Winners included:
(Pedigree) Long-hairs: White: Mrs Black; Black: Mrs Aitken, Banstead; Blue (male): Mrs Brine, Wickford; Blue (female): Mrs Penn, Farnborough; Cream: Mr Allt, Isle of Wight; Tortie and White: Mrs Axon, Croydon; Chinchilla: Mrs Hacking, Liphook; Silver Tabby: Mrs Weston, Southall; Blue Cream: Mr Bubb, Bristol.
Long [should be Short]-Haired British Blue: Mrs Bentley, Argyll Road, Kensington; Manx: Miss Sladen, Fitzjames Avenue, West Kensington; Siamese: Mrs Holland, Surbiton; Seal-pointed Siamese: Mrs Parker, Leicester; Blue-pointed Siamese: Mrs. Trevor Williams, Esher.
200 CATS TRY TO KEEP COOL–SOME OF THEM FAIL Kensington Post, 31st July 1948
Nearly one thousand cat lovers and over two hundred cats from all over Britain gathered in Porchester Hall Bayswater, for the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's show, all day Wednesday. Considering the weather - it was the hottest day of the year to date–cats, owners and spectators were very good tempered, although there were one or two cases of attempted biting and scratching (by the cats). Prizes were presented by Jonquil Anthony, cat lover herself, playwright and author. Prize for the best exhibit went to Mrs. L. Parker of Cropspon. Leicester, for a Persian, Lindale Simonpie. Prize for the best household cat went to Mrs. Mitelman of Queensway, Bayswater.
MANY ENTRIES FOR BINGLEY SHOW Bradford Observer, 4th August 1948
Although entries for the Airedale Agricultural Society's show at Bingley on 18 August do not close until the week-end there is indication already that the event will maintain its reputation as being the largest one-day show in Yorkshire. [. . .] The Yorkshire Cat Club show is also being held in conjunction with the event.
NO ROOM TO SWING A DOG AT CAT SHOW Kensington Post, 7th August 1948
But 1,000 visitors say it was a big success. Over two hundred hot, caged and bad-tempered cats, over 1,000 hot but enthusiastic spectators, and one hot and frightened dog crowded into Porchester Hall, Bayswater, for the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club show on Wednesday, Jul 28. Exhibitors and cats came from all over England. Some of the cats were for sale, with prices ranging up to £21. Judging took place in the morning. By the afternoon, the hottest of the year, the prize-winning cats were all labelled and becoming somewhat short-tempered, and the crowds increased.
Cats entered in the main competition were in the main hall; household cats were downstairs in the small hall. Lining the sides of the main hall were booths representing societies and firms concerned, in one way or another, with cats; the R.S.P.C.A.; the Dumb Friends’ League; the Anti-Vivisection Society (handing out leaflets and asking people to sign a petition); and caterers to cats and cat-lovers, including a book store that displayed books on cats.
Prizes were presented in the early afternoon by Jonquil Anthony (playwright, authoress of the B.B.C.’s "The Robinson Family," and wife of Boltons Theatre director John Wyse.) They included a glass statue presented by the Club’s president, authoress Rachel Ferguson, for the best exhibit in the show. Besides prizes for each species and type of cat, there were prizes for the most affectionate cat in the show, the best behaved cat in the show and the two happiest kittens. Miss Anthony, handed a monstrous orange animal which won the prize for the biggest cat in the show, staggered under its weight. but managed to stroke it as it purred like a jet engine.
The president of the club, Miss Rachel Ferguson. spoke saying how much work went into the organizing of such a show, and giving credit for most of the work to Miss Kit Wilson, Show Manager. She thanked Miss Anthony for coming and giving away tne prizes Prize-winners were:-
for the best cat in the show: Mrs. E. Brine, of Wickford. Essex, for Avernoll Prince Charming, a long-haired, 3-and-a-half-month-old blue Persian;
for the best shorthaired cat in the show: Mrs. L. Parker of Cropston, Leicester, for Lindale Simonpie, a 5 month-old Siamese.
First prizes in the separate classes went to:
Longhairs: Mrs. E. Black of St. John's Hill Grove; Mrs. E. Aitken, of Banstead, Surrey; Mrs. E. Brine, of Wlckford. Essex; Mrs. E. Penn. of Farnborough, Hants; Mrs. D Axon, of Croydon. Surrey; G.B. Ailt Esq., of Bembridge, Isle of Wight; Mrs. E. Hacking of Liphook, Hants; Mrs. Weston, of Southall. Middlesex; Mr. A Bubb of North Bristol.
Shorthaired: Mrs. C. Bentley of Argyll Road, South Kensington; Miss G. Sladen, of Fitz James Avenue, North Kensington; Mrs. L. Parker, of Cropston, Leicester; Mrs. M. Holland, of Surbiton Hill, Surrey.
Prizes for the best household cat went to Mrs. Mitelman, of Queensway, Bayswater.
Judges were: Miss Langston, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Hart, Mrs Yeates, Rev. Basil Rees.
[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CATS CLUB] Marylebone Mercury, 7th August 1948
Miss Yvonne Arnaud presented prizes at the Kensington Kittens and Neuter Cats Club show at Porchester Hall, Porchester Road, Paddington, on Wednesday. Judges were Miss Rachel Ferguson Mr. Keith Robinson and that well-known cat lover, Mr. Michael Joseph, publisher.
1948 SANDY SHOW
[SANDY SHOW] Biggleswade Chronicle, 20th August 1948
The cat show- will be of championship status this year.
[SANDY SHOW] Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 27th August 1948
Also having a good time was Mrs. K. R. Williams, of Sutton, Secretary of the Siamese Cat Club. Still, she wasn’t entirely happy, for it was a cold morning and she had to leave her Siamese entries, delicate creatures, at home.
Miss K. French, of Ampthill, gained first prize with her Siamese cat, “Sasha,” and a second with “Fenella,” in the short-hair adult section.
1948 HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CAT CLUB SHOW
[HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CAT CLUB SHOW] Daily Herald, 22nd September 1948
Cats are now helping the export trade. American and Continental buyers were seeking pedigree kittens yesterday at the Herts and Middlesex Cat Club Show at Watford.
1948 SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW
[SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW] PRIZE-WINNING CAT Banbury Guardian, 21st October 1948
At the Siamese Cat Show held in London last Thursday “We Adora,” a blue-pointed kitten bred by Mrs. L. W. Brummitt, Bloxham Road, was a winner of two second prizes.
1948 CROYDON CAT CLUB SHOW
CROYDON CAT SHOW Croydon Times, 30th October 1948
Three hundred cats and kittens will compete in the championship of the Croydon Cat Club show, to be staged at the Central Baths Hall, Scarbrook-road on Thursday. November 4th. The Mayor and Mayoress of Croydon (Coun. and Mrs. Ernest Turner) will be the Judges of the household pets section which will be open for entries until October 30th.
CATS IN CROYDON CLUB SHOW Croydon Times, 13th November 1948
Over 300 cats belonging to owners from all parts of England were exhibited at Croydon Cat Club Championship Show at the Central Baths, Scarbrook-road, on Thursday. The Mayor of Croydon, Coun. Ernest Turner, judged the winner of the "household pet" class. Opening the show, the Mayor said 'he preferred a "nice, comfortable, cosy” cat as a household pet, and chose “Rufus," belonging to Mrs. B Gower, of Lower Addiscombe-road. For the first time in many years the championship was won by a short-haired cat - a Manx called “Stonor Kate," belonging to Mrs. G. Sladen, of Stonor, Henley-on-Thames.
Every type of cat from fluffy Chinchillas and valuable Persians to homely black "fireside" cats were to be seen in the rows of cages at the Baths. There was a record total of over 1,000 entries, most of the 300 cats and kittens being entered in more than one class. Some were for sale, and the highest price paid was £10 10s. for a Smoke cat from the Isle of Wight. Some exhibitors brought their pets from as far afield as Devonshire and the North of England. Referee Judge was Miss Yorke, and the show manager Mr. A. A. Towe.
MANX CAT WINS SHOW Kensington News and West London Times, 19th November 1948
Stonor Kate, a veteran Tabby Manx cat belonging Miss G K Sladen of Fitzjames Avenue, West Kensington, was declared to be the best exhibit in the show at Croydon on November 4th. She also won a Ch. certificate and several special awards. The show attracted 1,156 entries from 282 exhibits. This is the first time a Manx has won top honours. The best short-haired kitten in the show was a British Blue female “Mockridge Blue Moon” owned by Mrs C Bentley also of Kensington. Stonor Kate and her four Manx daughters will be seen at the National Cat Club show to be held at the Paddington Baths Hall, Queensway, W.2 on November 30th 1.30 - 6 pm.
1948 NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW
[NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW] Marylebone Mercury, 4th December 1948
More than 300 cats and kittens worth more than £10,000 were on show at the National Cat Club championship show at Paddington Baths on Tuesday.
1948 REGIONAL SHOWs
Manchester Evening News, 28th June 1948
Urmston Bank Holiday cat show will include classes for tabbies.